Protective cap for infrared radiation thermometer

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a protective cap ( 2 ) for a temperature measurement probe ( 30 ) of an infrared radiation thermometer ( 1 ) that can be introduced into a body cavity ( 31 ). The protective cap ( 2 ) is comprised of a base body ( 12 ) shaped to fit the body cavity ( 31 ) and having a window ( 3 ) transparent to infrared radiation. The base body ( 12 ) is provided with additional structures ( 13; 18, 20 ) at least in parts to improve heat insulation between the temperature measurement probe ( 30 ) and the body cavity ( 31 ). This heat insulation of the temperature measurement probe ( 30 ) prevents measurement errors by the infrared radiation thermometer ( 1 ).

[0001] This invention relates to a protective cap for an infrared radiation thermometer according to the prior-art portion of patent claim 1.

[0002] Infrared radiation thermometers are used for measuring body temperature. Typically, such a radiation thermometer includes a housing with a window admitting radiation, an internal optic system and an infrared sensor that is associated with an evaluation unit. The window admitting radiation serves to close off the interior of the housing of the radiation thermometer, thereby protecting the optic system and the sensor from contamination and destruction.

[0003] As an additional protection, protective caps of the type initially referred to are seated onto the end of the thermometer; such protective caps are described, for example, in EP-B1-0 201 790, U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,936 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,862. These protective caps not only serve the function of protecting the infrared transmitting window, but also are intended to prevent the transmission of diseases to the user, which is accomplished in that a new protective cap is installed prior to each temperature being taken or prior to each measurement—and this also in cases where different persons are involved. The disposable speculum as referred to in EP-B1-0 201 790, U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,936 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,862 is fitted over the ear canal probe of a tympanic thermometer that is sensitive to infrared radiation, this disposable speculum having an infrared transmitting membrane made of polypropylene or polyethylene. The portion carrying the membrane is an injection-molded part.

[0004] To determine a person's body temperature, the forward end of the temperature measurement probe is inserted into the ear. The infrared radiation emitted by the tympanic membrane and by the ear canal enters the thermometer through the window and is incident, via the optic system or an optical waveguide and an interference filter, on the infrared sensor. The increase in temperature produced in the sensor results in an electrical output voltage from which the radiation temperature can be determined by means of an evaluation unit.

[0005] In such devices it has however shown that during measurement a temperature gradient occurs within the thermometer's optic system due to contact of the ear with the thermometer's generally cooler optic system, from which gradient a measurement error results usually. Moreover, the ear canal is subject to cooling by the thermometer. Because the thermometer detects also the infrared radiation of the ear canal or some other body cavity receiving the radiation thermometer, a further source of error results.

[0006] Proceeding from the state of the art referred to in the foregoing and the attendant problems of potential measurement errors, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective cap protecting the user of such an infrared thermometer against the transmission of diseases, in addition to preventing the thermometer's optic system from contamination. It is a still further object to avoid or at least substantially reduce the measurement errors of the type described in the foregoing that occur with conventional clinical thermometers equipped with protective cap.

[0007] In a protective cap of the type initially described, the foregoing object is attained according to a first invention by the characterizing features of claim 1. Additional structures provide for insulation of precisely that portion of the base body that is in the immediate vicinity of the window and hence in intimate contact with the wall of the body cavity as, for example, the ear canal, in such fashion that in this particular portion the transfer of heat to the infrared optic system is reduced or maintained at such a low level as to be negligible as regards its effect on the temperature measurement. Because the thermal insulation of the protective cap reduces the passage of heat outside the window, the cooling of, for instance, the ear canal is also diminished at the same time. This has the further effect that by reason of the diminished cooling effect on the ear the user has the impression that the thermometer with this protective cap is warmer and hence substantially less discomforting.

[0008] Further, this thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration, being more pleasant in the ear than a firm, non-pliant material or a protective cap sheathed with such a material. A further particular advantage of such a protective cap is to use it in conjunction with a clinical thermometer having a small probe tip. A clinical thermometer with a small probe tip is suitable for taking both an adult's and a child's temperature if the protective cap of thermally insulating material is made available in at least two sizes. However, such a protective cap may also be fabricated from a particularly soft, thermally insulating and hence elastic material which conforms itself to both an adult's and a child's ear canal, in spite of the size difference. According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are typically utilized as disposable protective caps.

[0009] To enable ease and nevertheless accuracy of positioning of the protective cap in the ear canal, but also to avoid different thermal effects due to different positions, at least the base body's outer surface that comes into contact with the ear canal or also the base body's entire outer surface outside the window area should be provided with the thermally insulative means. Such a configuration of the surface of the protective cap ensures at all times an adequate thermal insulation against the temperature measurement probe in the different positions of the clinical thermometer.

[0010] A further possibility for increasing the thermal insulation of the temperature measurement probe of the radiation thermometer includes providing the entire base body outside the window with thermally insulative means, that is, not only its outside but also its inside. With such an approach it is possible to prevent the thickness of the outer layer on the base body of thermally insulative means from becoming excessively thick, in addition to enabling the thermally insulative means on the inside to be dimensioned and set to an elasticity in such fashion as to achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer.

[0011] The base body may at the same time serve as a stable support for the thermally insulating material which is affixed at least on the outside. A soft, porous foamed plastic material is preferably used as the thermally insulative means of the additional structure (claim 2).

[0012] Another preferred possibility resides in that the additional structure according to claim 3 is a body that is formed of one or several air chambers.

[0013] The features of claim 4 enhance the thermal insulation effect still further. Preferably, in the protective cap structure comprising one or several air chambers, a flexible outer film is applied to the outside (claim 5). Such an outer film forms at the same time a smooth outer surface offering little possibility for contaminants to collect and deposit during storage and stockkeeping of the protective caps.

[0014] As flexible outer film materials bounding, for instance, the air chamber or the air chambers of a thermally insulative means, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl or polyethylene (PE) are proposed (claim 6). For one thing, these are low-cost materials, for another thing, they are easy to process in order to manufacture the thermally insulating bodies, and moreover they are kind to the skin which is an essential aspect for the range of applications of clinical thermometers.

[0015] Where the additional structures of the thermally insulative means comprise air chambers, it may be convenient to provide several air chambers that are subdivided by fin members extending radially to the axis of the base body (claim 7). While on the one hand this provides for sufficient flexibility of the thermally insulative means conveying a pleasurable feeling to the user, sufficient stability is imparted to the thermally insulative means in any direction on the other hand in order to make sure that the air chambers maintain dimensions sufficient for thermal insulation also in compressed condition. Moreover, the fin members may be formed of foamed plastic material (claim 8) in order to maintain the thermally insulating properties and prevent the formation of heat transfer bridges. Where applicable, the fin members may have apertures to connect adjacent air chambers in a fluid relationship to each other and hence increase the flexibility using a certain damping effect.

[0016] Preferably, the window of the radiation thermometer is formed by a window film transparent to infrared radiation or the actual window of the radiation thermometer is covered with such a film (claim 9); in one embodiment, this window film may blend smoothly with a flexible outer film of the thermally insulative means covering the base body. To stabilize the protective cap, a holding device according to claim 10 may be utilized, for example, in the form of an annular body (claim 11) which is attachable, for example, to the rim of the base body (claim 12) and keeps the film smooth.

[0017] According to the features of claim 13 ease of manufacture of the protective cap results because it is not necessary to cover the window area during application of the additional structures, but rather, it is equally equipped with thermally insulating material. It is only subsequently that the window is formed by hot pressing, hot stamping or cold stamping. In this process, the air chambers and the foamed plastic material are pressed in such fashion that nearly clear transparent windows are produced.

[0018] As preferred material for the base body and the window, polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is utilized (claim 14). As preferred material for the additional structures serving as thermally insulative means in the form a thermally insulating foamed plastic, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl or polyurethane (PU) is utilized, for example (claim 15).

[0019] According to a second invention, the object of the present invention is attained by the features of claim 17. In this solution, the protective cap, rather than having a base body, is fabricated only from a thermally insulating material such as foamed plastic or from a plastic material having air chambers. The window's requisite thickness and transparency to infrared radiation are then obtained by hot stamping or cold stamping (claim 18).

[0020] Further details and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0021]FIG. 1 is a section taken along the axis of an infrared optic system of a radiation thermometer having a protective cap of the present invention installed thereon, with the thermally insulative means of the protective cap being formed of foamed plastic;

[0022]FIG. 2 is another sectional view of a protective cap in which the thermally insulative means of foamed plastic is provided only in the forward portion of the protective cap;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a protective cap in which the thermally insulative means is formed by air chambers;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a section of the protective cap taken along the line I-I of FIG. 2; and

[0025] FIGS. 5 to 7 are various sections taken along the line II-II of FIG. 3 perpendicularly to the axis of the protective cap, illustrating various inner structures of the protective cap or the thermally insulative means.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a protective cap 2 is installed on the forward end of a temperature measurement probe 30 of an infrared radiation thermometer 1 suitable for use as a clinical thermometer 1 in order to protect the probe 30 against contamination and, in addition, to provide for thermal insulation when the probe is inserted into a body cavity 31. In FIG. 1, the body cavity 31 is an ear canal of a person's ear 32 which is, however, only shown schematically.

[0027] To take a person's body temperature, the temperature measurement probe 30 is introduced into the ear canal 31 of a user's ear 32. In the absence of a protective cap 2 of a radiation thermometer, the infrared radiation emitted by the tympanic membrane (not shown) and the ear canal 31 passes through a window 3 transparent to infrared radiation in the relevant measurement range at the forward end of the temperature measurement probe 30 and is directed, through an infrared waveguide 5 extending coaxially with the axis 6 of the temperature measurement probe 30 or the protective cap 2 when mounted thereon, to an interference filter 7, entering an infrared sensor 8. The temperature increase produced in the infrared sensor 8 results in an electrical output voltage from which the radiation temperature is derived through an evaluation unit not shown in greater detail, which temperature is indicated to the user as by means of a digital indicating means (not shown) which is accommodated in the housing 9 illustrated only schematically. As becomes apparent from FIG. 1, the waveguide 5 and the infrared sensor 8 with the filter 7 have one end thereof held in a mounting structure 10 which may be manufactured from metal, while their other end is held by a tube 4 of the temperature measurement probe 30, which tube is a push-fit on the housing 9. The tube 4 is preferably fabricated from plastic.

[0028] The tube 4 extends slightly conically towards its free end where the window 3 is integrally formed, having a stepped tapered end portion 11 corresponding at its end to the outside diameter of the infrared waveguide 5. By virtue of this tapered end portion 11, the clinical thermometer is suitable for use on both children who have a relatively narrow ear canal 31 and adults who have a wider ear canal 31.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the installed protective cap 2 includes a thin-walled tubular base body 12 tapering conically towards its free end and made from a plastic material. In this embodiment, a foamed plastic material 13 serving a thermally insulating function is affixed to the outside of the base body 12. In a second embodiment which is, however, not shown here, the base body 12 is dispensed with entirely, the protective cap 2 then being only comprised of foamed plastic material 13 or forming a honeycombed air chamber structure.

[0030] At its upper free frontal end 14, the protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 that is formed of a thin film transparent to infrared radiation in the radiation range relevant for temperature measurement. In FIG. 1, the film forms the base body 12 or is affixed to the base body 12 as a separate member, as by weaving. Where the protective cap is made of foamed plastic only, the film of the window 15 is formed out of the foamed plastic by hot stamping or pressing.

[0031] Because of the requirement for such a film 15 to be very thin in order not to affect the measurement result by the material's natural emissions, if any, a problem may present itself in the securing of such a film to the frontal end 14 of the protective cap 2 without wrinkles being formed. To accomplish this, the embodiment shown makes provision for a holding ring 26 which is also shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 and which is clamped upon the leading edge of the base body 12 or is injection-molded with the protective cap 2 in one integral piece. The holding ring 26 may also be made of a different material of higher strength.

[0032] In FIG. 1, the protective cap 2 terminates at its lower end in an annular flange 16 engaging in a clamping or snap-action fashion with the outer wall of the temperature measurement probe 30, thereby providing a stiffening and centering function for the protective cap 2. On the inside of the flange 16 and/or on the outside of the tube 4 respective projections and/or recesses, not shown, may be provided, enabling the protective cap 2 to hook onto the outside of the tube 4 in the area of this flange 16 to thereby ensure a secure seat of the protective cap 2 on the temperature measurement probe 30. The flange 16 serves at the same time the function of improving manipulation of the protective cap 2, enabling the user to grasp the cap by its flange 16 and install it over the forward end of the temperature measurement probe 30; by gripping it by the annular flange 16, the protective cap 2 readily disengages again from the projections or recesses.

[0033] The thermally insulating foamed plastic material 13 of the protective cap 2 of FIG. 1 has its maximum wall thickness approximately mid-way between the frontal end 14 and the annular flange 16. At least in its upper portion which covers the tapered end portion 11 of the tube 4, it is desirable for the base body 12 to exhibit a certain flexibility enabling it to deform towards the axis 6 such as to be almost engageable with the outer wall of this end portion 11 of the tube 4, particularly on insertion into a narrow ear canal such as a child's. When the temperature measurement probe 30 of this thermometer 1 with the protective cap 2 installed is inserted into a wide ear canal, the base body 12 remains approximately in the position shown in FIG. 1, in which case only the elasticity of the soft foamed plastic material 13 and the penetration depth of the temperature measurement probe 30 in the ear canal 31 perform an adaptation to the ear canal.

[0034] However, the possibility also exists to dimension protective caps 2 such that their base body 12 has an outer shape as predetermined by the tube 4. Preferably, such protective caps 2 with such a tapered end can be installed on the thermometer 1 only if the thermometer 1 is used for taking a child's temperature. In this event, there is no need to make allowance for a free space 17 between the outside of the end portion 11 of the tube 4 and the inside of the base body 12.

[0035] The thermally insulative properties of the foamed plastic material 13 prevent the transfer of heat from the ear canal 31 which is at body temperature to the tube 4 which is, as a rule, cooler, since otherwise such heat transfer would entail the risk of an insufficiently accurate temperature reading. In consequence, apart from preventing contamination of the window 3 and the outside of the tube 4, the thermally insulative protective cap 2 enhances the accuracy of temperature measurement with the thermometer 1, hence avoiding measurement errors introduced due to the transfer of heat from the ear 32 to the tube 4. For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement.

[0036]FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the protective cap 2 in which the thermally insulative means in the form of the soft, pliant foamed plastic material 13 is only provided in the tapered forward portion, whilst the lower half of the base body 12 which terminates in the annular flange 16 is left uncoated, that is, bare. It may be sufficient to apply the thermally insulating material only to the forward end of the base body 12 because it is substantially the forward end portion of the protective cap 2 that comes to rest against an ear canal 31. Attention should be paid to make sure that the thermally insulative means contain a significant amount of air. For this purpose, a foamed plastic material 13 with wide pores may be utilized, preferably a foamed plastic 13 with closed pores, so that major contaminants are prevented from settling in the foamed plastic material.

[0037] Another possibility of providing on the outside of the base body 12 a thermally insulative means containing a significant amount of air is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment of the protective cap 2 which has essentially the same cross-sectional shape as the protective cap 2 of FIG. 1, an air chamber 18 bounded from outside by a further film or wall 33 is provided on the outside of the base body 12. The elasticity of such a protective cap 2 is adjustable by the pressure applied for filling the chamber 18 with air on the one hand, and by the elasticity of the wall 33 and the base body 12 themselves on the other hand.

[0038] The protective cap 2 may have thermally insulative means both in the form of foamed plastic material and in the form of air chambers. Adjoining the outside contour of the foamed plastic body 13 in downward direction is the outer wall 19 of a film combining with the base body 12 to form a lower air chamber 20, so that the thermally insulative means in the upper portion is the foamed plastic material 13, whilst in the lower portion it is formed by one or several (shown in broken lines) air chambers 20.

[0039] FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate schematically various sections through the protective caps 2, showing various possibilities for the internal structure in the form of both foamed plastic materials and air chambers, or as combinations of both approaches to function as thermally insulative means. As FIG. 4 shows, it should be understood that the thermally insulative means may be designed in the form of an enclosed foamed plastic body covering the outside of the base body 12, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 (continuous) and FIG. 2 (in the upper portion only), or as a circumferential air chamber 18 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0040] However, the possibility also exists to cover the base body 12 with foamed plastic fins 22 (FIG. 5) spaced uniformly apart on the base body's circumference and being compressible as the thermometer 1 is introduced in the ear canal 31. The free spaces 34 between the fins 22, whereof four are provided in the embodiment of FIG. 5, then combine with the ear canal 31 (FIG. 1) to form individual air chambers 34. The fins 22 may also be fabricated from a foamed plastic material selected in its strength such as to provide for adequate stiffening of the air chambers 34, thereby preventing the outer wall 24 which bounds the air chambers 34 from resting against the base body 12, while yet being soft and consequently elastic enough to convey a pleasant feeling to the user as the thermometer is inserted in the ear canal.

[0041] A further modification is illustrated in FIG. 6. In this modification, the outer wall 24 is connected to the base body 12 by thin, membrane-type fins 25 separating the air chambers 18 from each other. In FIG. 6, a total of eight fins 25 are provided, resulting in a total of eight separate air chambers 18 distributed on the outer circumference of the base body 12. To additionally enhance user comfort, the fins 25 may include apertures not shown, so that adjacent air chambers 18 are in fluid communication with each other to enable a pressure balance to be accomplished between adjacent air chambers 18 and hence improve the mating engagement with the ear canal 31.

[0042]FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment in which the protective cap 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 has the added provision of a further thermally insulative means 23 equally made of foamed plastic, for example, which is affixed to the inside of the base body 12.

[0043] In summary, the protective caps as illustrated in the Figures afford the following advantages:

[0044] The protective cap 2 diminishes the adverse effect of heat input into a clinical thermometer, thereby improving the measurement precision of the thermometer 1 or enabling the use of a smaller (or simpler and less costly) thermometer optics with reduced heat insulation and reduced thermal mass.

[0045] The protective cap 2 reduces cooling of the ear canal 31 during measurement, thereby enhancing the accuracy of measurement of the thermometer 1 or omitting the need for corresponding compensations.

[0046] Due to the reduced cooling of the ear and the soft, elastic protective cap 2, the measurement is appreciably less discomforting for the user, particularly for children.

[0047] The soft outside of the protective cap 2 reduces the risk of personal injury.

[0048] Used in combination with a clinical thermometer, the protective cap 2 described makes it possible to determine the temperature of children and adults alike speedily without causing pain. Owing to its deformability, the protective cap 2 is capable of conforming itself to different diameters of ear canals 31, enabling an optimum penetration depth and centering of the thermometer 1 in the ear canal 31.

[0049] Moreover, the use of protective caps 2 having different outside diameters, for example for children and adults, on the same thermometer 1 is possible.

[0050] The integrable holding ring 26 enables the window 3 or the window film 15 of the protective cap 2 to be tensed in a uniform, defined fashion resulting in a uniform transmission. Any undefined tension of the window 3 during mounting of the protective cap 2 is thus avoided.

Appendix A Proposed Count

[0051] A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover comprising foam molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in use, removably accepting at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe so that the deformable hollow body stretches over and thereby frictionally engages said probe, the passage terminating in an opening through which said probe is removably inserted, said molded foam body, in use, being separated from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover.

Appendix B Element-by-Element Recitation of the Newly Added Claims of Beerwerth And Indication of the Passages in the Originally Filed Application Where the Claims Find Support

[0052] Originally-Filed Claim 1 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover for use The invention relates to a with a radiant energy sensing protective cap for an infrared probe, radiation thermometer (P. 1, lines 2-4). According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are utilized as disposable protective caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23). said disposable probe cover, On the inside, the thermally in use, being separable from insulative means is said radiant energy sensing dimensioned and set to an probe and disposed of after use, elasticity so as to achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30). said disposable probe cover The installed protective comprising foam molded to cap 2 includes a thin- provide a compressible, walled tubular base body deformable hollow body having 12 tapering conically a passage defined therethrough, towards its free end. A foamed plastic material 13 13 is affixed to the outside of the base body 12. In a second embodiment, the base body is not used, and the protective cap is then comprised of foamed plastic material 13. At its upper free frontal end 14, the protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 (P. 8, lines 15-25). the passage being dimensioned for, The foamed plastic material 13 in use, removably accepting at and/or base body 12 may be least a portion of said radiant dimensioned and set to an radiant energy sensing probe so elasticity in such a fashion as that the deformable hollow body to achieve at the same time a stretches over and thereby clamping and yet detachable frictionally engages said probe, mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 8-12). the passage terminating in an The protective cap 2 terminates at opening through which said probe its lower end in an annular flange is removably inserted, said 16 engaging in a clamping or snap- molded foam body, in use, being action fashion with the outer wall separated from said radiant of the temperature measurement energy sensing probe and probe 30, thereby providing a disposed of after said probe is stiffening and centering function used to allow said probe to be for the protective cap 2. For inserted into a further probe sanitary reasons, the protective cover. cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30).

[0053] Originally-Filed Claim 2 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 1 claim 1 further including a further opening At its upper free frontal end 14, the defined by said foam body through protective cap 2 is closed off by an which radiation can pass to reach infrared window 15 that is formed of the probe when the probe is a thin film transparent to infrared inserted within said foam body, radiation in the radiation range relevant for temperature measurement (P. 8, lines 24-27). and a thin plastic film membrane In FIG. 1, the thin film forms the laminated onto at least a portion base body 12 or is affixed to the of the body and prestretched base body 12 as a separate member. across the further opening. Where the protective cap is made of foamed plastic only, the film of the window 15 is formed out of the foamed plastic by hot stamping or pressing (P. 8, lines 27-31). The window is formed by a window film transparent to infrared radiation or the actual window is covered with such film. To stabilize the structure, a holding device may be used which is attachable to the rim of the base body and keeps the film smooth (P. 5, lines 20-29). . . . thin in order not to affect the measurement result by the material's natural emissions, if any, a problem may present itself in the securing of such film 14 to the frontal end 14 of the protective cap 2 without wrinkles being formed. To accomplish this, the embodiment shown makes provision for a holding ring 26 which is also shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 and which is clamped upon the leading leading edge of the base body 12 or is injection-molded with the protective cap in one integral piece. The holding ring 26 may also be made of a different material of higher strength (P. 9, lines 2-11). The integrable holding ring 26 enables the window 3 or window film 15 of the protective cap 2 to be tensed in a uniform, defined fashion resulting in a uniform transmission. Any undefined tension of the window 3 during mounting of the protective cap 2 is thus avoided. (P. 14, lines 6-10).

[0054] Originally-Filed Claim 3 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as See claim 1 claim 1 wherein said probe has an outer The elasticity of the soft foamed profile that approximates the plastic material and the penetration external acoustic meatus of the depth of the temperature measure- the ear of a human subject, ment probe in the ear canal 31 performs an adaptation to the ear canal (P. 10, lines 7-10). The base body's outer surface comes into into contact with the ear canal (P. 3, lines 26-27). and said probe cover conforms to The thermally insulative means is said probe outer profile so as to dimensioned on the inside and set to provide increased comfort when an elasticity in such fashion as to said probe and probe cover are achieve a clamping and yet inserted into said subject's ear. detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). The protective cap may be fabricated from a particularly soft, thermally insulating, and hence elastic material which conforms itself to both a child's and an adult's ear canal, in spite of the size difference (P. 3, lines 18-23). The thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration, being more pleasant in the ear than a firm, noncompliant material or a protactive cap sheathed with such a material (P. 3, lines 10-13).

[0055] Originally-Filed Claim 4 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 1 claim 1 wherein said foam, in use, Structures provide for insulation of provides thermal isolation the portion of the base body in the for said probe. vicinity of the window in such fashion that the transfer of heat to the infrared optic system is reduced or maintained at such a low level as to be negligible as regards its effect on temperature measurement. Because the thermal insulation of the protective cap reduces the passage of heat, the cooling of the ear canal is also diminished, providing greater user comfort. This thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration (P. 2, line 27- P. 3, line 11). A soft, porous foamed plastic material is preferably used as the thermally insulative means (P. 4, lines 15-16).

[0056] Originally-Filed Claim 5 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable foam-based probe The invention relates to a protective cover for use with a radiant cap for an infrared radiation energy sensing probe having an thermometer (P. 1, lines 2-4). outer surface, A soft, porous foamed plastic material is preferably used as the thermally insulative means (P. 4, lines 15-17). According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are utilized as disposable protective caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23). said disposable foam-based probe On the inside, the thermally cover in use, being separable insulative means is dimensioned and from said radiant energy sensing set to an elasticity so as to probe and disposed of after use, achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement (P. 9, lines 12--16, P. 10, lines 28-30). said disposable foam-based probe The installed protective cap 2 cover comprising a hollow body includes a thin-walled tubular comprising a compressible foam base body 12 tapering conically material and having a cavity towards its free end. A foamed therein terminating in an plastic material 13 is affixed opening, to the outside of the base body 12. In a second embodiment, the the base body is not used, and the protective cap is then comprised of foamed plastic material 13. At its upper free frontal end 14, the protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 (P. 8, lines 15-25). the probe cover, in use, The thermally insulative means accepting said radiant energy is dimensioned on the inside sensing probe that is oversized and set to an elasticity in relative to said cavity, said such fashion as to achieve a foam-based probe cover at least clamping and yet detachable partially deforming over said mounting of the protective oversized probe when said probe cap on the end of the is inserted through said radiation thermometer opening so as to frictionally (P. 4, lines 8-12). engage said probe outer surface and thereby removably retain said probe cover on said probe, said probe cover into which said The protective cap may be probe has been inserted being fabricated from a shaped for insertion into particularly soft, thermally the external acoustical meatus insulating, and hence elastic of ear of the human body, said material which conforms itself foam providing a cushioning to both a child's and an effect to increase the adult's ear canal in spite of subject's comfort, size difference (P. 3, lines 18-23). The thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration, being more pleasant in the ear than a firm, noncompliant material or a protactive cap sheathed with such a material (P. 3, lines 10-13). said probe cover into which said The protective cap may be fabricated probe has been inserted being from a particularly soft, thermally shaped for insertion into the insulating, and hence elastic material external acoustical meatus of ear which conforms itself to both a of the human body, said foam child's and an adult's ear canal, providing a cushioning effect to in spite of the size difference increase the subject's comfort, (P. 3, lines 18-23). The thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration, being more pleasant in the ear than a firm, noncompliant material or a protactive cap sheathed with such a material (P. 3, lines 10-13). said probe cover, in use, being According to the present invention, stripped from said sensing probe protective caps of this type are without damaging said sensing utilized as disposable protective probe after said probe and said caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23). For probe cover are removed from sanitary reasons, the protective said external acoustical meatus. the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30).

[0057] Originally-Filed Claim 6 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 5 claim 5 wherein said probe has an outer The elasticity of the soft foamed profile that approximates the plastic material and the penetration external acoustic meatus of depth of the temperature the ear of a human subject, measurement probe in the ear canal 31 performs an adaptation to the ear canal (P. 10, lines 7-10). The base body's outer surface comes into contact with the ear canal (P. 3, lines 26-27). and said probe cover conforms to The thermally insulative means is said probe outer profile so as dimensioned on the inside and set to provide increased comfort to an elasticity in such fashion when said probe and probe cover as to achieve a clamping and yet are inserted into said subject's detachable mounting of the ear. protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). The protective cap may be fabricated from a particularly soft, thermally insulating, and hence elastic material which conforms itself to both a child's and an adult's ear canal, in spite of the size difference (P. 3, lines 18-23). The thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration, being more pleasant in the ear than a firm, noncompliant material or a protactive cap sheathed with such a material (P. 3, lines 10-13).

[0058] Originally-Filed Claim 7 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 5 claim 5 wherein said foam, in use, Structures provide for insulation of provides thermal isolation the portion of the base body in the for said probe. in the vicinity of the window in such fashion that the transfer of heat to the infrared optic system is reduced or maintained at such a low level as to be negligible as regards its effect on temperature measurement. Because the thermal insulation of the protective cap reduces the passage of heat, the cooling of the ear canal is also diminished, providing greater user comfort. This thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration (P. 2, line 27- P. 3, line 11). A soft, porous foamed plastic material is preferably used as the thermally insulative means (P. 4, lines 15-16).

[0059] Originally-Filed Claim 8 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover for use The invention relates to a protective with a radiant energy sensing cap for an infrared radiation probe, (P. 1, lines 2-4). According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are utilized as disposable protective caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23). said disposable probe cover, On the inside, the thermally in use, being separable from said insulative means is dimensioned radiant energy sensing probe and and set to an elasticity so as to disposed of after use, achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30). said disposable probe cover The structure preferably uses comprising: a foam sheet uses a soft, porous foamed molded to provide a compressible, plastic material as the deformable hollow body insulating means. Another possibility is that this structure is a body formed of one or more air chambers (P. 4, lines 15-20). In the body comprising one or several air chambers, such chambers may be subdivided by fin members made of foamed plastic material (P. 5, lines 5-15). For this purpose, a foamed plastic material with wide pores may be utilized, preferably a foamed plastic 13 with closed pores (P. 11, lines 9-12). having a passage defined The installed protective cap 2 therethrough, the passage being includes a thin-walled tubular dimensioned for, in use, base body 12 tapering conically accepting at least a portion of towards its free end. A foamed a radiant energy sensing probe plastic material 13 is affixed to so that the deformable hollow the outside of the base body 12. body stretches over and thereby In a second embodiment, the base engages said probe, body is not used, and the protective cap is then comprised of foamed plastic material 13. At its upper free frontal end 14, the protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 (P. 8, lines 15-25). The thermally insulative means is dimensioned on the inside and set to an elasticity in such fashion as to achieve a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). the passage terminating in an The protective cap 2 terminates at its opening through which said probe lower end in an annular flange 16 is, in use, removably inserted, engaging in a clamping or snap- action fashion with the outer wall of the temperature measurement probe 30, thereby providing a stiffening and centering function for the protective cap 2. (P. 9, lines 12-16). On the inside, the thermally insulative means is dimensioned and set to an elasticity so as to achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). said molded foam sheet, in use, On the inside, the thermally being stripped from said radiant insulative means is dimensioned and energy sensing probe without set to an elasticity so as to damaging said sensing probe, achieve at the same time a clamping after said probe is used to allow and yet detachable mounting of the said probe to be inserted into a protective cap on the end of the further probe cover before re-use. radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30).

[0060] Originally-Filed Claim 9 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 8 claim 8 wherein said probe cover defines a At its upper free frontal end 14, the further opening, protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 that is formed of a thin film transparent to infrared radiation in the radiation range relevant for temperature measurement (P. 8, lines 24-27). and further includes a thin plastic In FIG. 1, the thin film forms the film membrane laminated onto at base body 12 or is affixed to the least a portion of the body and base body 12 as a separate member. pre-stretched across the further Where the protective cap is made opening. of foamed plastic only, the film of the window 15 is formed out of the foamed plastic by hot stamping or pressing (P. 8, lines 27-31). The window is formed by a window film transparent to infrared radiation or the actual window is covered with such film. To stabilize the structure, a holding device may be used which is attachable to the rim of the base body and keeps the film smooth (P. 5, lines 20--29). . . . thin in order not to affect the measurement result by the material's natural emissions, if any, a problem may present itself in the securing of such film 14 to the frontal end 14 of the protective cap 2 without wrinkles being formed. To accomplish this, the embodiment shown makes provision for a holding ring 26 which is also shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 and which is clamped upon the leading edge of the base body 12 or is injection-molded with the protective cap in one integral piece. The holding ring 26 may also be made of a different material of higher strength (P. 9, lines 2-11). The integrable holding ring 26 enables the window 3 or window film 15 of the protective cap 2 to be tensed in a uniform, defined fashion resulting in a uniform transmission. Any undefined tension of the window 3 during mounting of the protective cap 2 is thus avoided. (P. 14, lines 6-10).

[0061] Originally-Filed Claim 10 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 8 claim 8 wherein said probe has an outer The base body's outer surface comes profile that approximates the into contact with the ear canal external acoustic meatus of (P. 3, lines 26-27). The elasticity the ear of a human subject, of the soft foamed plastic material and the penetration depth of the temperature measurement probe in the ear canal 31 performs an adaptation to the ear canal (P. 10, lines 7-10). and said probe cover conforms to The thermally insulative means is said probe outer profile so as to dimensioned on the inside and set to provide increased comfort when an elasticity in such fashion as to said probe and probe cover are achieve a clamping and yet inserted into said subject's ear. detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). The protective cap may be fabricated from a particularly soft, thermally insulating, and hence elastic material which conforms itself to both a child's and an adult's ear canal, in spite of the size difference (P. 3, lines 18-23). The thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration ,being more pleasant in the ear than a firm, noncompliant material or a protactive cap sheathed with such a material (P. 3, lines 10-13).

[0062] Originally-Filed Claim 11 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover as in See claim 8 claim 8 wherein said foam in use, provides Structures provide for insulation of thermal isolation for said probe. the portion of the base body in the vicinity of the window in such fashion that the transfer of heat to the infrared optic system is reduced or maintained at such a low level as to be negligible as regards its effect on temperature measurement. Because the thermal insulation of the protective cap reduces the passage of heat, the cooling of the ear canal is also diminished, providing greater user comfort. This thermally insulative means may be of a soft configuration (P. 2, line 27-P. 3, line 11). A soft, porous foamed plastic material is preferably used as the thermally insulative means (P.4, lines 15-16).

[0063] Originally-Filed Claim 12 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable foam-based probe The invention relates to a protective cover for use with a radiant energy cap for an infrared radiation sensing probe, thermometer (P. 1, lines 2-4). According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are utilized as disposable protective caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23). The installed protective cap 2 includes a thin- walled tubular base body 12 tapering conically towards its free end. A foamed plastic material 13 is affixed to the outside of the base body 12. In a second embodiment, the base body is not used, and the protective cap is then comprised of foamed plastic material 13. At its upper free frontal end 14, the protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 (P. 8, lines 15-25). said disposable probe cover having The installed protective cap 2 a passageway defined therein, includes a thin-walled tubular base body 12 tapering conically towards its free end. A foamed plastic material 13 is affixed to the outside of the base body 12. In a second embodiment, the base body is not used, and the protective cap is then comprised of foamed plastic material 13. At its upper free frontal end 14, the protective cap 2 is closed off by an infrared window 15 (P. 8, lines 15-25). the probe cover, in use, accepting The protective cap 2 terminates at its said radiant energy sensing probe lower end in an annular flange 16 (P. that is oversized relative to 9, lines 12-13). On the inside, the the dimension of said passageway thermally insulative means is so that said compressible foam at dimensioned and set to an elasticity least partially deforms over said so as to achieve at the same time a radiant energy sensing probe and clamping and yet detachable mount- thereby frictionally engages said ing of the protective cap on the end probe so as to removably retain of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, said compressible foam on said lines 5-12). probe during use, said probe cover and inserted probe The elasticity of the soft foamed being shaped for insertion into the plastic material 13 and the penetra- external acoustical meatus of the tion depth of the temperature ear of the human body, measurement probe 30 in the ear canal 31 perform an adaptation to the ear canal (P. 10, lines 7-10). said probe cover, in use, being The thermally insulative means is stripped from said radiant energy dimensioned and set to an elasticity sensing probe without damaging so as to achieve at the same time a said probe after said probe is used clamping and yet detachable mount- to allow said probe to be inserted ing of the protective cap on the end into a further probe cover before of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, re-use of said probe. lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30).

[0064] Originally-Filed Claim 13 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover for use The invention relates to a protective with a radiant energy sensing cap foran infrared radiation probe, thermometer (P. 1, lines 2-4). According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are utilized as disposable protective caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23) said disposable probe cover in use, The thermally insulative means is being separable from said radiant dimensioned and set to an elasticity energy sensing probe and disposed so as to achieve at the same time a of after use, clamping and yet detachable mount- ing of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30). said disposable probe cover The installed protective cap 2 comprising: foam molded to includes a thin-walled tubular base provide a compressible, body 12 tapering conically towards deformable hollow body having a its free end. A foamed plastic passage defined therethrough, the material 13 is affixed to the outside passage being dimensioned for, in of the base body 12. In a second uses removably accepting at least embodiment, the base body is not a portion of said radiant energy used, and the protective cap is then sensing probe, comprised of foamed plastic material 13. the passage terminating in an The protective cap 2 terminates at its opening through which said probe lower end in an annular flange 16 (P. is removably inserted, 9, lines 12-13). On the inside, the thermally insulative means is dimensioned and set to an elasticity so as to achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mount- ing of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). said molded foam body, in use, On the inside, the thermally being separated from said radiant insulative means is dimensioned and energy sensing probe and disposed set to an elasticity so as to achieve of after said probe is used to at the same time a clamping and yet allow said probe to be inserted into detachable mounting of the protective into a further probe cover, cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30). wherein said probe is oversized On the inside, the thermally relative to said passage, and said insulative means is dimensioned and foam at least partially deforms set to an elasticity so as to achieve at when said probe is inserted into the same time a clamping and yet said passage so as to removably, detachable mounting of the protective frictionally engage said probe. cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12).

[0065] Originally-Filed Claim 14 of Beerwerth Application Application Discloses: A disposable probe cover for use The invention relates to a protective with a radiant energy sensing cap for an infrared radiation probe, thermometer (P. 1, lines 2-4). According to the present invention, protective caps of this type are utilized as disposable protective caps. (P. 3, lines 22-23) said disposable probe cover, in use, On the inside, the thermally being separable from said radiant insulative means is dimensioned and energy sensing probe and disposed set to an elasticity so as to achieve at of after use, the same time a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30). said disposable probe cover The structure preferably uses a soft, comprising: a foam sheet molded porous foamed plastic material as the to provide a compressible, deform- insulating means. Another possibility able hollow body having a passage is that this structure is a body formed defined therethrough, of one or more air chambers (P. 4, lines 15-20). In the body comprising one or several air chambers, such chambers may be subdivided by fin members made of foamed plastic material (P. 5, lines 5-15). For this purpose, a foamed plastic material with wide pores may be utilized, preferably a foamed plastic 13 with closed pores (P. 11, lines 9-12). The installed protective cap 2 includes a thin-walled tubular base body 12 tapering conically towards its free end. A foamed plastic material 13 is affixed to the outside of the base body 12. In a second embodiment, the base body is not used, and the protective cap is then comprised of foamed plastic material 13. the passage being dimensioned for, The protective cap 2 terminates at its in use, accepting at least a lower end in an annular flange 16 portion of said radiant energy engaging in a clamping or snap- sensing probe, action fashion with the outer wall of the temperature measurement probe 30, thereby providing a stiffening and centering function for the protective cap 2. (P. 9, lines 12-16). On the inside, the thermally insulative means is dimensioned and set to an elasticity so as to achieve at the same time a clamping and yet detachable mount- ing of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer. (P. 4, lines 5-12). the passage terminating in an The protective cap 2 terminates at its opening through which said probe lower end in an annular flange 16 is, in use, removably inserted, engaging in a clamping or snap- action fashion with the outer wall of the temperature measurement probe 30 (P. 9, lines 12-16). The thermally insulative means is dimensioned on the inside and set to an elasticity in such fashion as to achieve a clamping and yet detachable mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). said molded foam sheet, in use, The thermally insulative means is being stripped from said radiant dimensioned on the inside and set to energy sensing probe without an elasticity in such fashion as to damaging said sensing probe, after achieve a clamping and yet detach- said probe is used to allow said able mounting of the protective cap probe to be inserted into a further on the end of the radiation probe cover before re-use, thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). For sanitary reasons, the protective cap 2 should be replaced after each measurement. (P. 9, lines 12-16, P. 10, lines 28-30). wherein said probe is oversized The thermally insulative means is relative to said passage, dimensioned on the inside so as to achieve a clamping and yet detach- able mounting of the protective cap on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12). and said foam at least partially The thermally insulative means is set deforms when said probe is to an elasticity in such fashion as to inserted into said passage so as to achieve a clamping and yet detach- removably, frictionally engage said able mounting of the protective cap probe. on the end of the radiation thermometer (P. 4, lines 8-12).

Appendix C Comparison of Claims 1-14 of the Cheslock Patent With the Proposed Count

[0066] APPENDIX C Comparison of Claims 1-14 of the Cheslock Patent With the Proposed Count Claim 1 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover for use A disposable probe cover for use with with a radiant energy sensing a radiant energy sensing probe, probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed energy sensing probe and disposed of of after use, after use, said disposable probe cover said disposable probe cover comprising foam molded to comprising foam molded to provide provide a compressible, a compressible, deformable hollow deformable hollow body having a body having a passage defined passage defined therethrough, therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, the passage being dimensioned for, in in use, removably accepting at use, removably accepting at least a least a portion of said radiant portion of said radiant energy sensing energy sensing probe so that the probe so that the deformable hollow deformable hollow body stretches body stretches over and thereby over and thereby frictionally frictionally engages said probe, engages said probe, the passage terminating in an the passage terminating in an opening opening through which said probe through which said probe is is removably inserted, said molded removably inserted, said molded foam body, in use, being separated foam body, in use, being separated from said radiant energy sensing from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after said probe and disposed of after said probe is used to allow said probe to probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe be inserted into a further probe cover. cover.

[0067] Claim 2 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover as in See the Proposed Count. claim 1 further including a further opening The additional features provided by defined by said foam body through this dependent claim are not which radiation can pass to reach patentably distinct from the Proposed the probe when the probe is Count. inserted within said foam body, and a thin plastic film membrane laminated onto at least a portion of the body and pre-stretched across the further opening.

[0068] Claim 3 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover as in See the Proposed Count. claim 1 wherein said probe has an outer The additional features provided by profile that approximates the this dependent claim are not external acoustic meatus of the ear patentably distinct from the Proposed of a human subject, Count. and said probe cover conforms to said probe outer profile so as to provide increased comfort when said probe and probe cover are inserted into said subject's ear.

[0069] Claim 4 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover as in See the Proposed Count. claim 1 wherein said foam, in use, provides The additional features provided by thermal isolation for said probe. this dependent claim are not patentably distinct from the Proposed Count.

[0070] Claim 5 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable foam-based probe A disposable probe cover for use with cover for use with a radiant energy a radiant energy sensing probe, sensing probe having an outer surface, said disposable foam-based probe said disposable probe cover, in use, cover, in use, being separable from being separable from said radiant said radiant energy sensing probe energy sensing probe and disposed of and disposed of after use, after use, said disposable foam-based probe said disposable probe cover cover comprising a hollow body comprising foam molded to provide a comprising a compressible foam compressible, deformable hollow material and having a cavity body having a passage defined therein terminating in an opening, therethrough, the probe cover, in use, accepting the passage being dimensioned for, in said radiant energy sensing probe use, removably accepting at least a that is oversized relative to said portion of said radiant energy sensing cavity, probe, said foam-based probe cover at so that the deformable hollow body least partially deforming over said stretches over and thereby frictionally oversized probe when said probe is engages said probe, the passage inserted through said opening so terminating in an opening through as to frictionally engage said probe which said probe is removably outer surface and thereby inserted, removably retain said probe cover on said probe, said probe cover into which said said disposable probe cover probe has been inserted being comprising foam molded to provide a shaped for insertion into the compressible, deformable hollow external acoustical meatus of ear of body having a passage defined the human body, said foam therethrough, providing a cushioning effect to increase the subject's comfort, said probe cover, in use, being said molded foam body, in use, being stripped from said sensing probe separated from said radiant energy without damaging said sensing sensing probe and disposed of after probe after said probe and said said probe is used to allow said probe probe cover are removed from said to be inserted into a further probe external acoustical meatus. cover.

[0071] Claim 6 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover as in See the Proposed Count. claim 5 wherein said probe has an outer The additional features provided by profile that approximates the this dependent claim are not external acoustic meatus of the ear patentably distinct from the Proposed of a human subject, Count. and said probe cover conforms to said probe outer profile so as to provide increased comfort when said probe and probe cover are inserted into said subject's ear.

[0072] Claim 7 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover as in claim 5 See the Proposed Count. wherein said foam, in use, provides The additional features provided thermal isolation for said probe. by this dependent claim are not patentably distinct from the Proposed Count.

[0073] Claim 8 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover for use with a A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover comprising: said disposable probe cover comprising foam a foam sheet molded to provide a molded to provide a compressible, compressible, deformable hollow body deformable hollow body having a passage having a passage defined therethrough, the defined therethrough, the passage being passage being dimensioned for, in use, dimensioned for, in use, removably accepting accepting at least a portion of a radiant energy at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe so that the deformable hollow sensing probe so that the deformable hollow body stretches over and thereby frictionally body stretches over and thereby frictionally engages said probe, engages said probe, the passage terminating in an opening the passage terminating in an opening through through which said probe is, in use, which said probe is removably inserted, removably inserted, said molded foam sheet, in use, being said molded foam body, in use, being stripped from said radiant energy sensing separated from said radiant energy sensing probe without damaging said sensing probe, probe and disposed of after said probe is used after said probe is used to allow said probe to to allow said probe to be inserted into a be inserted into a further probe cover before further probe cover. re-use.

[0074] Claim 9 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count. A disposable probe cover as in claim 8 See the Proposed Count. wherein said probe cover defines a The additional features provided further opening, by this dependent claim are not patentably distinct from the Proposed Count. and further includes a thin plastic film membrane laminated onto at least a portion of the body and pre-stretched across the further opening.

[0075] Claim 10 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count. A disposable probe cover as in claim 44 See the Proposed Count. wherein said probe has an outer profile The additional features provided that approximates the external acoustic by this dependent claim are not meatus of the ear of a human subject, patentably distinct from the Proposed Count. and said probe cover conforms to said probe outer profile so as to provide increased comfort when said probe and probe cover are inserted into said subject's ear.

[0076] Claim 11 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover as in claim 8 See the Proposed Count. wherein said foam in use, provides The additional features provided thermal isolation for said probe. by this dependent claim are not patentably distinct from the Proposed Count.

[0077] Claim 12 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count. A disposable foam-based probe cover for A disposable probe cover for use with a use with a radiant energy sensing probe, radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover having a said disposable probe cover comprising foam passageway defined therein, molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the probe cover, in use, accepting said the passage being dimensioned for, in use, radiant energy sensing probe that is oversized removably accepting at least a portion of said relative to the dimension of said passageway radiant energy sensing probe so that the so that said compressible foam at least deformable hollow body stretches over and partially deforms over said radiant energy thereby frictionally engages said probe, sensing probe and thereby frictionally engages said probe so as to removably retain said compressible foam on said probe during use, said probe cover and inserted probe being said disposable probe cover comprising shaped for insertion into the external foam molded to provide a compressible, acoustical meatus of the ear of the human deformable hollow body having a passage body, defined therethrough, said probe cover, in use, being stripped said molded foam body, in use, being from said radiant energy sensing probe separated from said radiant energy sensing without damaging said probe after said probe probe and disposed of after said probe is used is used to allow said probe to be inserted into to allow said probe to be inserted into a a further probe cover before re-use of said further probe cover. probe.

[0078] Claim 13 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count A disposable probe cover for use with a A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover in use, being said molded foam body, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing separated from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, probe and disposed of after said probe is used, said disposable probe cover comprising: said disposable probe cover comprising foam foam molded to provide a compressible, molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the passage being defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in uses removably accepting dimensioned for, in use, removably accepting at least a portion of said radiant energy at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe, sensing probe, the passage terminating in an opening the passage terminating in an opening through through which said probe is removably which said probe is removably inserted, inserted, said molded foam body, in use, being said molded foam body, in use, being separated from said radiant energy sensing separated from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after said probe is used probe and disposed of after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover, further probe cover. wherein said probe is oversized relative to the passage being dimensioned for, in use, said passage, and said foam at least partially removably accepting at least a portion of said deforms when said probe is inserted into said radiant energy sensing probe so that the passage so as to removably, frictionally deformable hollow body stretches over and engage said probe. thereby frictionally engages said probe.

[0079] Claim 14 of Cheslock Patent Proposed Count. A disposable probe cover for use with a A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being said molded foam body, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing separated from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, probe and disposed of after said probe is used, said disposable probe cover comprising: said disposable probe cover comprising foam a foam sheet molded to provide a molded to provide a compressible, compressible, deformable hollow body deformable hollow body having a passage having a passage defined therethrough, defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in use, the passage being dimensioned for, in use, accepting at least a portion of said radiant removably accepting at least a portion of said energy sensing probe, radiant energy sensing probe, the passage terminating in an opening the passage terminating in an opening through which said probe is, in use, through which said probe is removably removably inserted, inserted, said molded foam sheet, in use, being said molded foam body, in use, being stripped from said radiant energy sensing separated from said radiant energy sensing probe without damaging said sensing probe, probe and disposed of after said probe is used after said probe is used to allow said probe to to allow said probe to be inserted into a be inserted into a further probe cover before further probe cover, re-use, wherein said probe is oversized relative to the passage being dimensioned for, in use, said passage, removably accepting at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe, and said foam at least partially deforms so that the deformable hollow body stretches when said probe is inserted into said passage over and thereby frictionally engages said so as to removably, frictionally engage said probe. probe. 

We claim:
 1. A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover comprising foam molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in use, removably accepting at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe so that the deformable hollow body stretches over and thereby frictionally engages said probe, the passage terminating in an opening through which said probe is removably inserted, said molded foam body, in use, being separated from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover.
 2. A disposable probe cover as in claim 1 further including a further opening defined by said foam body through which radiation can pass to reach the probe when the probe is inserted within said foam body, and a thin plastic film membrane laminated onto at least a portion of the body and pre-stretched across the further opening.
 3. A disposable probe cover as in claim 1 wherein said probe has an outer profile that approximates the external acoustic meatus of the ear of a human subject, and said probe cover conforms to said probe outer profile so as to provide increased comfort when said probe and probe cover are inserted into said subject's ear.
 4. A disposable probe cover as in claim 1 wherein said foam, in use, provides thermal isolation for said probe.
 5. A disposable foam-based probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe having an outer surface, said disposable foam-based probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable foam-based probe cover comprising a hollow body comprising a compressible foam material and having a cavity therein terminating in an opening, the probe cover, in use, accepting said radiant energy sensing probe that is oversized relative to said cavity, said foam-based probe cover at least partially deforming over said oversized probe when said probe is inserted through said opening so as to frictionally engage said probe outer surface and thereby removably retain said probe cover on said probe, said probe cover into which said probe has been inserted being shaped for insertion into the external acoustical meatus of ear of the human body, said foam providing a cushioning effect to increase the subject's comfort, said probe cover, in use, being stripped from said sensing probe without damaging said sensing probe after said probe and said probe cover are removed from said external acoustical meatus.
 6. A disposable probe cover as in claim 5 wherein said probe has an outer profile that approximates the external acoustic meatus of the ear of a human subject, and said probe cover conforms to said probe outer profile so as to provide increased comfort when said probe and probe cover are inserted into said subject's ear.
 7. A disposable probe cover as in claim 5 wherein said foam, in use, provides thermal isolation for said probe.
 8. A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover comprising: a foam sheet molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in use, accepting at least a portion of a radiant energy sensing probe so that the deformable hollow body stretches over and thereby frictionally engages said probe, the passage terminating in an opening through which said probe is, in use, removably inserted, said molded foam sheet, in use, being stripped from said radiant energy sensing probe without damaging said sensing probe, after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover before re-use.
 9. A disposable probe cover as in claim 8 wherein said probe cover defines a further opening, and further includes a thin plastic film membrane laminated onto at least a portion of the body and pre-stretched across the further opening.
 10. A disposable probe cover as in claim 8 wherein said probe has an outer profile that approximates the external acoustic meatus of the ear of a human subject, and said probe cover conforms to said probe outer profile so as to provide increased comfort when said probe and probe cover are inserted into said subject's ear.
 11. A disposable probe cover as in claim 8 wherein said foam in use, provides thermal isolation for said probe.
 12. A disposable foam-based probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover having a passageway defined therein, said probe cover comprising a hollow body comprising a compressible foam material, the probe cover, in use, accepting said radiant energy sensing probe that is oversized relative to the dimension of said passageway so that said compressible foam at least partially deforms over said radiant energy sensing probe and thereby frictionally engages said probe so as to removably retain said compressible foam on said probe during use, said probe cover and inserted probe being shaped for insertion into the external acoustical meatus of the ear of the human body, said probe cover, in use, being stripped from said radiant energy sensing probe without damaging said probe after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover before re-use of said probe.
 13. A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover comprising: foam molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in uses removably accepting at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe, the passage terminating in an opening through which said probe is removably inserted, said molded foam body, in use, being separated from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover, wherein said probe is oversized relative to said passage, and said foam at least partially deforms when said probe is inserted into said passage so as to removably, frictionally engage said probe.
 14. A disposable probe cover for use with a radiant energy sensing probe, said disposable probe cover, in use, being separable from said radiant energy sensing probe and disposed of after use, said disposable probe cover comprising: a foam sheet molded to provide a compressible, deformable hollow body having a passage defined therethrough, the passage being dimensioned for, in use, accepting at least a portion of said radiant energy sensing probe, the passage terminating in an opening through which said probe is, in use, removably inserted, said molded foam sheet, in use, being stripped from said radiant energy sensing probe without damaging said sensing probe, after said probe is used to allow said probe to be inserted into a further probe cover before re-use, wherein said probe is oversized relative to said passage, and said foam at least partially deforms when said probe is inserted into said passage so as to removably, frictionally engage said probe. 